Fiji's Prom Culture Leveled Up

Promenade (Prom) - a formal dance, especially one held by a class in high school or college at the end of a year.

For most people, prom is the time of the year where they get to dress to the nines, enjoy time with their friends and bid farewell to their final year in high school. It’s a western tradition that’s been observed worldwide and as much as most girls complain about not getting the chance to ‘dress up’ and constantly complain about their school uniform, prom gives them that opportunity to go all out and be the princesses they’ve always wanted to be since they were little (besides their wedding day). I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the prom culture in Fiji for the last three years at least. It’s around this time of the year that my news feed on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat gets flooded with selfies and groupies of high school seniors at their high school proms and for some weird reason I always wish that I could do prom all over again.

In case some of you don’t realize, prom isn’t just for the high school seniors. Prom is also for the designers, the hair and makeup artists , photographers to even the parents. I love the fact that most girls and boys who have been to prom consult with some of our local designers and stylists to get them ready for their big night. If it’s not the shoes, it’s the hair style. If it’s not the nail color, it’s the eye shadow. What people don’t understand is that prom isn’t just another night out with friends. Prom is actually something that most seniors look forward to throughout their final year in school. It’s more than just a social and it’s more than just a eat-together with your classmates. It’s a time where each person has the chance to shine all in the name of Fashion. Gosh, just writing this is getting me all excited! Lol

Every time I see prom pictures I wish I could turn back time and re-do my prom year. My young and naive self chose to get wasted and rock up to prom smashed and ugly with a shirt from Bargain Box that could barely button up. LOL The most tragic of all!

But that’s that. Now I choose to help my cousins, my friends to even random people who come to me asking for prom tips. Not like I dressed to the nines for my prom, but when it comes to styling, I’m pretty sure I give good tips. So with that said, here are some of my favorite looks from prom in the last three years. Some photos were sent in and others I stole from Instagram and Facebook. So if I don’t put appropriate captions, please feel free to message me to let me know.

1. Jolei Jiare in Samson Lee at the LDS Church College Prom 2017. Jolei in Samson Lee was definitely a moment for me.

2. Anaseini Hurstele in her Fashionova prom dress at the International Secondary School Prom 2017. Elegance! Definite fav!

3. Sally Moore in her bedazzled gold dress at her Dudley High School Prom 2018. I played a tiny bit in styling her for her big night but all thanks to Vly Navoka for pulling everything together.